In a disturbing turn of events, the Faruruwa community in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State was thrown into panic on Thursday evening when unidentified gunmen stormed the area, abducting a young man identified as Mas’ud Haruna, the son of a prominent local trader.
The incident, which occurred around 7:00 p.m., has reignited concerns over growing insecurity in rural communities across northern Nigeria. Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants arrived in large numbers and fired sporadic gunshots into the air to disperse residents and instil fear before proceeding to their target.
According to local resident Ibrahim Faruruwa, the gunmen initially sought to kidnap Alhaji Haruna Halilu, a wealthy and influential businessman in the area. However, upon not finding him at his usual business spot, they resorted to abducting his son, Mas’ud, who was present at the scene.
“They came heavily armed, shooting in all directions. It was clear they were after Alhaji Haruna. When they didn’t find him, they grabbed his son without hesitation and fled,” Ibrahim recounted.
Residents expressed frustration over the security situation in the region, saying that despite repeated calls for help, rural communities continue to suffer due to inadequate policing and delayed emergency response.
Confirming the incident, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the command is aware of the situation and has launched a thorough investigation into the matter.
“Yes, we received reports of the attack in Shanono LGA. Our operatives have been mobilised to the area, and investigations are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and apprehension of the perpetrators,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the attackers remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility. It is also unclear whether any ransom demand has been made.
While the community awaits updates, fear and anxiety have gripped residents, many of whom are now hesitant to open their shops or go about daily routines. Schools and markets in the area were reportedly closed on Friday in response to the attack.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of security breaches in Kano and neighbouring states, where rural banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and attacks by armed groups have become increasingly common.
Security experts warn that such trends, if left unchecked, could further destabilise the region, discourage investment, and lead to a food crisis, especially as farmers abandon their lands due to the threat of violence.
In a recent interview with a regional security analyst, Musa Lawal, he said:
“The Faruruwa incident is one of many. Rural communities are sitting ducks for criminals who exploit the lack of effective surveillance and police presence. It’s time for state governments to invest in community policing and intelligence-gathering mechanisms.”
Local stakeholders and community leaders are now calling on the Kano State Government and security agencies to step up their efforts in protecting rural populations. There is a renewed push for the establishment of local vigilante groups that will work closely with security operatives to monitor and report suspicious activities.
“We are tired of being victims. Our people deserve to live in peace and go about their daily lives without fear of being abducted or killed,” said Mallam Abdulrahman, a village elder in Faruruwa.
Meanwhile, residents are urging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to prioritise security in the state, especially in areas outside metropolitan Kano, where violent crimes often go unreported or under-investigated.
As families in Faruruwa grapple with the trauma of Thursday’s attack, many are left questioning how long such violence will continue unchecked. The abduction of Mas’ud Haruna is not just a personal tragedy for his family but a reflection of the broader insecurity crisis gripping Nigeria’s north.
The incident reinforces the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture and increased government attention to rural communities that often suffer in silence.